Chamber News

COVID-19 RESOURCES rev. March 23, 2020

A collection of resources shared with the chamber by the original sources below. Please reach out to us with any requests for referral to other members or to contacts within each of the information sources. If you have questions about the content at each link, please contact the source directly.

The Ohio Development Services Agency has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to extend the Winter Crisis Program from March 31, 2020, to May 1, 2020, and to extend the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) from March 31, 2020, to June 1, 2020. The Winter Crisis Program helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank maintain their utility service. The HEAP provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills through a one-time benefit applied directly to their utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

For customers enrolling in the Winter Crisis Program or the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) for the first time, you are NOT required to have a face-to-face appointment at this time. Your local Energy Assistance Provider will complete your application during a phone appointment. Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply for assistance or to find contact information for your local Energy Assistance Provider.

U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency. Non-profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Contact BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov

SharedWork Ohio is an alternative to layoffs for employers. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain their staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, employers reduce hours to avert a layoff. The participating employee works the reduced hours, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced

TechCred to upskill their employees while they may be unable to perform their typical day-to-day duties. Many of these trainings can be completed online. TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round.

Transportation of Oversized Loads –The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has modified the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Generally, the state requires haulers with loads classified as “oversized” to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are permitted to travel in and through the state. Haulers carrying essential goods can download and print the permit at Transportation.Ohio.gov. The federal government has also cut red tape around obtaining or renewing Commercial Drivers’ Licenses and other licenses to prevent interruption of essential shipping. The Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Public Utilities Commission have adjusted their enforcement practices to avoid confusion.

Member Kris Heming, owner of Merakai Piercing on Kent Road, recently closed his doors due to COVID-19. When Executive Director, Jennifer Cork, passed along a request for donations from Western Reserve Hospital, Kris answered the call. See the full news segment from WKYC.

LOCAL LEADERS CANCEL STOW-MUNROE FALLS COMMUNITY SHOWCASE March 10, 2020

After conferring with Summit County Public Health Officials, City and School leaders decided March 10 to cancel the Stow-Munroe Falls Community Showcase citing an overabundance of caution related to recent concerns around the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Monday’s announcement of three confirmed cases in Cuyahoga County forced leaders to look at the Stow-Munroe Falls Community Showcase event in the context of the health and wellness of residents and visitors.

“The City of Stow prides itself on its community signature events, none of which are as important as the Stow-Munroe Falls Community Showcase,” said City of Stow Mayor John Pribonic. “We are disappointed in having to cancel this year’s event, however the safety and wellbeing of our residents, student volunteers and visitors remains our greatest concern. We know that there was a tremendous amount of work put in by our planning committee and vendors, but when it comes to resident safety, we will always err on the side of caution.”

The two-day Stow-Munroe Falls Community Showcase event featuring local businesses, community exhibitors and organizations was set to take place on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 at Stow-Munroe Falls High School. Thousands of visitors have traditionally attended the event.

“Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools has always valued our partnership with the City and the Chamber of Commerce and has been honored to host the Stow-Munroe Falls Community Showcase for decades,” said Stow-Munroe Falls City School District Superintendent Tom Bratten. “Unfortunately, the risk factors associated with this year’s event have forced us to rethink holding the event at this time. We see a clear line of distinction between an open community event and student attendance during a traditional school day.”

“While this is a difficult decision to make, we know this is right for our community at this time,” said Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce Director Jennifer Cork. “As a community we will work together to determine alternative ways to connect residents with resources throughout our community into the future.”

City and school leaders will continue to monitor the scenario as it impacts the local community. For additional information or resources regarding COVID-19, contact Summit County Public Health 24/7 hotline at 330-926-5795 or visit the CDC website: www.cdc.gov